5 Treatments You Should Know About if You're Struggling With Anorexia

A treatment for depression may also be effective for the eating disorder anorexia, according to new research. A small new study from Kings College London shows that a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, called repetitive transcranial stimulation, seems effective in reducing symptoms of anorexia (like the urge to restrict the intake of food).

While research is still ongoing with regard to the lasting effects of the treatment, the finding is welcome considering the devastating toll anorexia can take. The eating disorder, which is characterized by not eating and excessive weight loss, has the highest death rate of any mental health condition.

Anorexia is a diagnosed medical condition and should be treated as such, but it can still be emotionally complicated to ask for help, and even harder to decide how best to start recovery. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with anorexia and wants to seek help, realize that there are a number of treatment options available, such as therapy, counseling, and working with a nutritionist. We talked to Joanne Gerr, MSW, CSW, a psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in eating disorder treatment, to unpack the options.

Get a Proper Initial Assessment

Gerr recommends seeking help from a guidance counselor or trusted adult, like a teacher, if you’re unable to work directly with a therapist or feel uncomfortable speaking to a family member to start. The most important thing to focus on at the start is your physical health — see a doctor to figure out whether or not you require inpatient treatment or hospitalization, which isn't as scary as it sounds. They will monitor your food intake and get you to a safe physical state.

Once you’re medically stabilized, outpatient treatment can begin, which often includes therapy and work with a nutritionist and doctor.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is usually conducted with family members, and can be helpful especially if you're underage. And for family members trying to help someone with anorexia, Gerr says it's important not to say things like, "Just eat." Why? Comments like this aren't helpful, and it's possible that "the more you say they have to eat, the less they’ll eat.” She recommends that your family members do some research on how to help and work together, as opposed to trying to fight each other during recovery. “The worst thing to do is get into a power and control struggle,” she says, noting that anorexia is about power, control, and anger. “Starving yourself is a very angry thing to do. Very often it’s a way of expressing anger that people don’t feel safe to express.”

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Often considered the best treatment for anorexia, cognitive-behavior therapy is a time-limited and focused approach with decades of supportive research that helps a person understand how their thinking and negative self-talk and self-image can directly impact their eating behaviors.

According to an article published in 2008 from the U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse, “For adults, preliminary evidence suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce the relapse risk after weight restoration. For adolescents, evidence supported specific forms of family therapy that initially focused on parental control of re-nutrition.” Gerr recommends a blend of both, with treatment that focuses on the patient, while including the whole family.

Medication

Gerr points out that sometimes medication is necessary in the treatment of anorexia, at the assessment of your doctor and therapist. There are no specific medications for anorexia, but medication might be prescribed for physical problems, like electrolyte abnormalities or abnormal heart rhythms. Psychiatric medication includes antidepressants, since depression is often linked with anorexia. It’s also possible that, if you identify as female, you will need to take estrogen to re-mineralize your bones and prevent fractures if you've developed osteoporosis, or if you stopped having your periods, which can incite early menopause.

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Residential Treatment Facilities

If you need more focused treatment with fewer distractions from your everyday life, or if the above routes aren’t helping, Gerr recommends a residential treatment facility, which allows for complete and total seclusion to heal. The facilities should include a wide range of specialists — psychologists, medical doctors, nutritionists, meditation and relaxation professionals, and fitness experts — to help you learn and practice the skills necessary to work against anorexia in a safe, relaxed setting.

Gerr notes that all of these treatment options can only be successful when you want to recover. Recovery must be fully committed to, or the results can fade fast. Relapsing is common, but it’s important to be honest and upfront if you feel like you’re slipping. Don't think you've "failed" or "cheated" if you've take a few steps backward before moving forward again.

Gerr also recommends finding treatment from someone who has experience specifically in anorexia. And most importantly, remember that recovery is a process, and you need to be patient with yourself. You deserve to be healthy and well, but it's OK to need support and accept help.

Talk to a counselor, or call the National Eating Disorder Association’s helpline at 800-931-2237 if you, or someone you know, have symptoms of anorexia, or even just questions about the eating disorder. With help and time, recovery is always possible.